President John Dramani Mahama is hosting an Extraordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Accra as African leaders gather to discuss measures aimed at strengthening healthcare systems and achieving Universal Health Coverage across the continent.
The two-day summit, taking place from July 21 to July 22, 2026, is being held under the theme: “Advancing Justice, Equity and Universal Health Coverage: Ending AIDS, TB, Improving Maternal Health, Addressing Endemic Non-Communicable and Neglected Tropical Diseases and Conditions in Africa.”
The high-level meeting has brought together African Heads of State and Government, Ministers of Health, Finance and Foreign Affairs, officials from the African Union Commission, Regional Economic Communities, development partners, civil society organisations, youth representatives and private sector stakeholders.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday, July 21, the summit seeks to strengthen collaboration among African countries while developing practical strategies to improve access to quality healthcare across the continent.
The first day of the summit features technical discussions involving experts from Ministries of Health, Finance and Economic Planning. Their recommendations are expected to guide deliberations by Heads of State during the main AU Assembly on Wednesday, July 22.
African leaders are expected to adopt key decisions aimed at advancing the African Union Roadmap to 2030, with a strong focus on expanding healthcare access, improving disease control and strengthening health systems across member states.
Government says Ghana’s hosting of the summit reflects the country’s commitment to promoting equitable healthcare and supporting Africa’s broader health transformation agenda.
The statement highlighted several healthcare initiatives introduced under President Mahama’s administration, including the rollout of the Free Primary Health Care Programme, the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and the establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares.
Government added that investments in health infrastructure, workforce development, emergency preparedness and local pharmaceutical manufacturing are all aligned with the objectives of the continental summit.
The event will also feature a special side programme on maternal, newborn, child and adolescent survival, led by Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan in her capacity as the African Union Champion for Maternal and Child Health, in partnership with the Accra Reset initiative.
The summit is expected to strengthen continental cooperation and accelerate Africa’s efforts to reduce disease burdens, improve healthcare delivery and achieve Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
